Understanding subtle cognitive decline and learning effects in Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Multi-timescale process models to disentangle subtle cognitive decline and learning effects
Funded at Pennsylvania State University, the · NIH-11084457 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how to spot early signs of Alzheimer's and related dementias by tracking changes in thinking skills over time, so that doctors can better understand your individual risk and help you stay healthy as you age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State University, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (University Park, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $766,557 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG074208-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11084457 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adults over 21 who may be experiencing subtle cognitive changes or are at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease or those who do not exhibit any cognitive decline may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on accurately measuring changes in cognitive performance to detect early signs of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. By using advanced statistical tools and methods, the study aims to differentiate between normal aging and cognitive decline caused by disease. It will employ a novel Bayesian computational approach to analyze data from frequent assessments, allowing for a better understanding of how cognitive changes occur over time. The goal is to create digital markers that can help clinicians assess individual risks of dementia more effectively.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier detection of Alzheimer's disease, allowing for timely interventions that may slow cognitive decline.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using statistical models to detect cognitive decline, making this approach both innovative and grounded in prior success.
Where this research is happening
-
Pennsylvania State University, the
University Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Oravecz, Zita — Pennsylvania State University, the
- Study coordinator: Oravecz, Zita
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.